...Alzheimer’s disease is an organic brain disorder that causes dementia by systematically damaging the brain tissue. It is progressive, unrelenting, and irreversible, and it affects more than 5 million Americans today, most of whom are older than age 60. Recent estimates rank Alzheimer’s disease as the third leading cause of death in the United States in the geriatric population (NIA). It has been long known that altered sleep patterns often accompany the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, but recent research is questioning just what the link between the two may be. Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a build-up of toxins in the brain, namely amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. While there is some build-up of amyloid plaques...
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...degenerative disorder known more commonly as the Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD was first discovered by Alois Alzheimer, German neuropathologist, back in 1906 when he was performing an autopsy in the brain of a 56 year old patient (Chiappelli et al., 2006). Since that time, researchers have been trying to come up with new techniques and new information of how the disease works, as well as, how do AD patients and caregivers of AD patients cope and adjust the disease in their everyday life. Although, the disease was not examined fully when it was first discovered, scientists since then have made quite a few hallmarks...
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...Introduction: Affecting 64% of all dementia cases (Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, 2014), Alzheimer’s disease is a growing problem today. With close to 90 000 cases of dementia reported in the greater Toronto area (GTA) (Hopkins, 2010) and the number continuing to rise, it is a widespread problem in society. Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by memory loss, difficulty completing daily tasks, confusion, communication problems, and emotional and social changes (Alzheimer’s Association, 2014). Alzheimer’s disease is most common from age 65 onward. There is no cure to alzheimer’s disease, and the exact mechanisms are unclear. Current research suggests that plaques and tangles are responsible for the destruction of neurones, leading to symptoms...
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...Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) With the rapid aging of the population, a dreaded disease is said to be on a rapid increase in the coming years – Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior (Scott, 2013). This disease evolves over time and disrupts and also interfere with daily activities. It is important to know, however, that Alzheimer’s disease, though affects the elderly, but it is not a ‘normal’ part of aging. As at today, Alzheimer’s disease remains the only cause of death among the top ten in the United States, without any means of prevention, cure or even slow down its progression (Scott, 2013). As baby boomers continue to age, some percentage of them develops Alzheimer’s...
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...Analysis of Alzheimer’s Disease based on the D.N. case study. D.N. developed Alzheimer’s disease at age 50. Early signs were vague and included occasional errors in judgment and increased criticism of others, noted only in retrospect. Several years later, following several episodes of extreme anger, a diagnosis of Alzheimer was made. At this time, it was suspected that his father also had AD but had died from an unrelated cause before the diagnosis was could be made […] The neurologist prescribed gelantamine, an anticholinesterase inhibitors and regular attendance at a group center offering appropriate activities […] The degeneration progresses rapidly over the next 2 years. The maximum dose of galantamine is no longer effective. He is confused about any change and not capable of performing simple activities. Communication is impaired, including that with family members […] (Gould, Dyer, 2010 p.527) Although aging is a natural part of human existence, it is also considered the most difficult phase of ones life. Social, psychological and financial factors may remind a person that the quality of their every day is not what it used to be, but the physical changes that take place in the human body are the ones that affect aged people the most. Among a long list of conditions and diseases that are prevalent in the elderly population, forms of dementia are the ones that not only lead to unavoidable health impairment but...
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...Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Research advances have enabled detailed understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of the hallmarks of the disease-ie, plaques, composed of amyloid β (Aβ), and tangles, composed of hyperphosphorylated tau. However, as our knowledge increases so does our appreciation for the pathogenic complexity of the disorder. Familial Alzheimer's disease is a very rare autosomal dominant disease with early onset, caused by mutations in the amyloid precursor protein and presenilin genes, both linked to Aβ metabolism. By contrast with familial disease, sporadic Alzheimer's disease is very common with more than 15 million people affected worldwide. The cause of the sporadic form of the disease is unknown, probably because the disease is heterogeneous, caused by ageing in concert with a complex interaction of both genetic and environmental risk factors. This seminar reviews the key aspects of the disease, including epidemiology, genetics, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as recent developments and controversies. 100 years ago, Alois Alzheimer gave a lecture at a congress in Tubingen, Germany, on the first case of the disease that Kraepelin some years later named Alzheimer's disease.1 In this single case. Alzheimer described typical clinical characteristics with memory disturbances and instrumental signs, and the neuropathological picture with miliary bodies (plaques) and dense bundles of fibrils (tangles), which we today...
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...Case Study Alzheimer’s Jamie Newell HSC/245 Intro to Health and Disease September 8, 2014 Gwendolyn Ivy Case Study: Alzheimer’s Case Study Chapter 21 Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain’s nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills with noticeable behavioral changes. (Alzheimer’s foundation, 2014). In the case of Jenny’s grandma, she states her grandmother is confused, forgets and is often short tempered; these are among the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Early stages can include mood and personality changes, poor judgment, difficulty with words or memory, trouble understanding simple directions, confusion with time or place and difficulty with normal daily activities. (Alzheimer’s signs & symptoms, 2014) There are many different stages of Alzheimer’s disease most are listed into three stages: stage 1 mild/early, stage 2 moderate/mild and stage 3 severe/late. For Jenny’s grandmother she appears to be between stages 1 and 2. Stage 1 has memory lost, confusion as well as mood swings and depression. Stage 2 is more progressive with even more confusion, memory loss is greater, some delusions and behavioral changes occur in this stage. Jenny states that her grandmother is short-tempered at times. Jenny needs to take her grandmother to a doctor so she can be evaluated by a professional to determine if she is in fact in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease...
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...Currently, Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States taking the over 80 thousand lives per year (Center for Disease Control, 2015), and as population continues to age, more people will develop Alzheimer’s. Therefore, a global epidemic is imminent and without a cure or a way to slow down the disease, it is something to be concerned about. However, this a disease that affects more people than just those who suffer from it. It is predicted that by 2050, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s will quadruple (Brookmeyer, Johnson, Ziegler-Graham & Arrighi, 2007). As the disease progresses, patients will need advanced care. This poses a burden to our society, as it will create an enormous strain on the health care system,...
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...Alzheimer’s is becoming common amongst elderly people ranging from ages 65 and older. About 5.3 million of Americans of all ages have this disease (Association A., 2015). Alzheimer’s is a reversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest everyday tasks. This disease develops slowly and worsens over time. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over the years. Those with this disease live an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, but survival can range from four to 20 years, depending on age and other health conditions. This disease is not a normal part of aging, although the greatest...
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...the Research Process The article “Are abnormal premorbid personality traits associated with Alzheimer’s disease?-A case-control study” is very informative for those researching such cases. This paper will provide an explanation as to how the research for the above article was conducted. Research is a vital process that consists of very specific stages which result in new conclusions. These stages consist of selecting an issue to conduct research on, formulate a hypothesis, reviewing the provided information, identifying each different aspect, providing an explanation, and analyzing the information/data in order to formulate a conclusion. Just as the article is titled, this is a case-control study. Each participant and informant which will be explained provided consent, whether it was written or verbal. This design of research was utilized to identify and provide factors which are believed to possibly play a role in certain medical conditions. As any other research is conducted and hypotheses are formed, a comparison must be made to establish the case. In this study, there were 217 participants which have onset Alzheimer’s disease. Out of the 217 participants, there were 57 males and 160 females. This portion of participants was grouped between the ages of 67 to 98 years of age. The control groups were made up of 76 siblings who do not have the same condition, Alzheimer’s. This group consisted of 32 males and 44 females, and was between the ages of 61-68 years of...
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...Mr. Speed Alzheimer’s Case Study Erica Boozer HCS/245 January 7, 2015 Lisa Spencer Mr. Speed Alzheimer’s Case Study My name is Dr. Boozer. This is the case study of Mr. Speed and the condition of his Alzheimer disease. This memo will cover Alzheimer disease as a whole and resources of where more information about the disease can be found. This memo will also discuss any cultural issues that Mr. Speed may face having the disease and the impact Alzheimer’s has on society and its resources. Alzheimer’s is a disease that effects the central nervous system. According the livestrong.com, the loss of functioning brain tissue that occurs with Alzheimer disease initially causes problems with memory and learning. Personality, intellectual function and mood are greatly affected as the disease progresses. As Mr. Speed get in the later stages of the disease, it should be expected that he will lose his sense of self and present things that are going on around him (livestrong.com, 2015). In the early stages of this disease, Mr. Speed may not need any assistance with day to day activities. However as it progresses to where he experiences memory loss or trouble doing simple task such as paying bills, he may require some type of supervision (alz.org, 2015). More information such as symptoms, other systems of the body that Alzheimer’s may effect or what to expect in the different stages of this disease can be found on livestrong.com and alz.org. Alzheimer effects all races and ethnicities...
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...Alzheimer's Disease and its Link to the Normal Human Developmental Process of Aging Angel M. Perez Liberty University Abstract The cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is currently unknown. However, extensive studies using new technology has led to new ways of accurately identifying AD, an understanding of the mechanisms involved regarding the development of AD, and the damage it causes in the human brain. The general population is under the impression that AD is a result of the normal human developmental process of aging. The focus of this research is to dismiss this misconception by providing indisputable empirical evidence to the contrary. This paper looks at the various studies explored by researchers in an attempt to show the factors attributed to AD, a population over the age of 65 that do not suffer from AD, and a population of as young as 18 clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The author also addresses life style, environmental, and genetic risk factors attributed to the development of AD. Alzheimer's Disease and its Link to the Normal Human Developmental Process of Aging Contrary to popular belief, studies show that Alzheimer’s disease is not part of the normal human developmental process of aging. It is imperative that researchers acknowledge that AD is not part of the normal aging process. Researchers must keep an open mind during the research and experimental process, exploring all plausible arguments, in order to discover the cause(s) and/or...
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...http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE * Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Bottom of Form * Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, although the greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older. But Alzheimer's is not just a disease of old age. Up to 5 percent of people with the disease have early onset Alzheimer's (also known as younger-onset), which often appears when someone is in their 40s or 50s. * Alzheimer's worsens over time. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer's, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Those with Alzheimer's live an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, but survival can range from four to 20 years, depending on age and other health conditions. * Alzheimer's has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues. Although current Alzheimer's treatments cannot stop Alzheimer's from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening...
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...Mental/Behavioral Case Studies My 57-year-old client, Mr. Speed, has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. At this time, he seems to be in the early stage of the disease, and I feel that he would benefit from medication and therapy. He lives with his wife, and both of them are employed full time. He would like to continue working and living life to the fullest. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is a brain disease that progressively destroys thinking skills and memory. Although the cause of this disease is unknown, researchers believe that the accumulation of the protein amyloid in the brain may contribute to its onset. Although most individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are 65 years of age and older, it is not uncommon to develop the disease at a younger age, like my client, Mr. Speed. Early-onset Alzheimer’s has been known to affect people in their 50’s.Jade Galvan HCS/245 July 26, 2015 Mental/Behavioral Case Studies My 57-year-old client, Mr. Speed, has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. At this time, he seems to be in the early stage of the disease, and I feel that he would benefit from medication and therapy. He lives with his wife, and both of them are employed full time. He would like to continue working and living life to the fullest. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is a brain disease that progressively destroys thinking skills and memory. Although the cause of this disease is unknown, researchers...
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...Mental/Behavior Case Studies Mental/Behavioral Case Studies My 57-year-old client, Mr. Speed, has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. At this time, he seems to be in the early stage of the disease, and I feel that he would benefit from medication and therapy. He lives with his wife, and both of them are employed full time. He would like to continue working and living life to the fullest. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is a brain disease that progressively destroys thinking skills and memory. Although the cause of this disease is unknown, researchers believe that the accumulation of the protein amyloid in the brain may contribute to its onset. Although most individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are 65 years of age and older, it is not uncommon to develop the disease at a younger age, like my client, Mr. Speed. Early-onset Alzheimer’s has been known to affect people in their 50’s. Patients affected by the disease experience symptoms such as confusion, poor judgment, mood swings, and personality changes. They also have problems speaking, writing, understanding speech, and recognizing familiar sights and sounds. There are several stages of Alzheimer’s disease, but not every patient progresses at the same rate. In the beginning, patients may experience memory lapses. Later, they may forget important details, such as the names of friends and family members, where they placed a valuable item, or recent events. Eventually, they...
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